The main difference between betaine HCL and betaine anhydrous is that betaine HCL is the combination of hydrogen chloride and betaine, whereas betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with only 1% water.
Betaine is a modified amino acid. It is also known as trimethylglycine. It is a derivative of the nutrient choline. However, choline must be present in the body to synthesize betaine. Betaine is considered a donor of “methyl.” It is a compound with a positively charged functional group and a non-adjacent negatively charged functional group, of which the positively charged functional group does not contain a hydrogen atom. Moreover, betaine exists in many different forms. It also helps to treat homocystinuria, which is a condition where the body does not have the ability to break down a certain protein, causing the accumulation of homocysteine in the blood. Betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous are two derivatives of betaine.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Betaine HCL
– Definition, Composition, Features
2. What is Betaine Anhydrous
– Definition, Composition, Features
3. Difference Between Betaine HCL and Betaine Anhydrous
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Betaine HCL, Betaine Anhydrous
What is Betaine HCl
Betaine HCL (betaine hydrochloride) is the combination of betaine with HCl (hydrogen chloride). Betaine HCl is a manmade compound made in laboratories. It is a medicine and is available as a dietary supplement with different purities and strengths. Betaine hydrochloride helps to treat medical conditions such as an increase in stomach acids and diarrhoea. It helps to raise the levels of acids in the stomach. In fact, it works similarly to the HCl acid (hydrochloric acid) in the stomach. Betaine HCl in the stomach separates into betaine and HCl. It helps in protein digestion by sometimes combining with pepsin and proteases, which are digestive enzymes.
The supplement betaine HCl should be used for health conditions such as allergies, sensitivities, food allergies, asthma, acne rosacea, gall stones, gastroesophageal reflux disease, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, ingestion, heartburn and low stomach activity and chronic candidiasis. When taken orally as a single dose, betaine HCL is safer. But when taken in multiple doses, it may cause heartburn.
What is Betaine Anhydrous
Betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with 1% water in it. Betaine is a chemical that is present in food products like beet, cereals, wine, seafood, and spinach. It is also present naturally within the body. Betaine helps to process and prevent the buildup of homocysteine in the blood, which is a chemical affecting the normal function of many parts of the body.
Some toothpaste products contain betaine anhydrous to prevent dry mouth. Betaine also helps to treat health conditions such as osteoarthritis, liver disease, congestive heart failure, depression, and obesity, boosting the immune system and increasing athletic performance. It also helps to prevent non-cancerous tumor in the colon. Some scientists claim that betaine anhydrous increases low density and total lipoproteins in the bodies of some people. Hence, people with high-density cholesterol are advised to be cautious when taking betaine anhydrous.
Difference Between Betaine HCL and Betaine Anhydrous
Definition
Betaine HCL is the combination of hydrogen chloride and betaine, whereas betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with only 1% water.
Chemical Composition
While betaine HCl contains an HCl component in it, betaine anhydrous contains pure betaine.
Synthesis
Betaine HCl is synthesized in laboratories, whereas betaine anhydrous is found naturally in the body and in certain vegetables.
Conclusion
Betaine is a chemical compound of importance in the field of medicine. It is a modified amino acid group. Moreover, betaine HCL and betaine anhydrous are two derivates of betaine. The main difference between betaine HCL and betaine anhydrous is that betaine HCL is the combination of hydrogen chloride and betaine, whereas betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with only 1% water.
Reference:
1. “Betaine Anhydrous.” RxList.
2. “Betaine Hydrochloride – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
Image Courtesy
1. “Betaine” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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